7 Scholarships Undocumented College Students Should Apply to Immediately

For undocumented students, the road to college is not an easy one. Despite some having the ability to work thanks to programs like the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), in-state tuition and financial aid aren’t always a possibility – making the cost of college more burdensome.

At a time when this community is continuously under attack, worrying about how to pay for school is another challenge. Here are a few scholarships undocumented students are eligible for.

Anhelo Project Dream Scholarship Application

Deadline: January 26, 2018

The Anhelo Project is for undocumented students in Illinois. “Our goal is to support undocumented students, many of whom despite growing up in the United States and earning a high school diploma, continuously face challenging roadblocks when pursuing a post-secondary education. One major obstacle being financial need due to ineligibility to apply for federal and state financial aid.”

Ascend Educational Fund

Deadline: February 2, 2018

This scholarship is open to New York City students who are either immigrants or have parents who are immigrants, regardless of their status. The award, which ranges from $2,500 to $20,000 will be distributed equally over a two-year of four-year period. The application requires two essays and letters of recommendation.

The Dream.US

Deadline: March 1, 2018

The Dream.US offers two awards – the National Scholarship and the Opportunity Scholarship. The difference between the two depend on whether the state you live in offers in-state tuition or not. Regardless, both are designed to help high school students and community college graduates pursue their dreams.

CUNY BECAS Scholarship Program 2018

Deadline: March 1, 2018

This scholarship program offers up to $6,530 to those who either attend or will attend a CUNY school as an undergrad or graduate student. Students must show commitment to the Mexican and/or immigrant community.

Hispanic Scholarship Fund

Deadline: March 30

The Hispanic Scholarship Fund has one goal: to “assist students of Hispanic heritage obtain a college degree.” The scholarship is open to high school seniors, undergrads, students transferring from community college to four-year universities, and graduate students. The 2018-2019 scholarships vary between $500 and $5,000. Though US citizens and permanent legal residents can apply, so can DACA and other eligible non-citizens.

Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund

Deadline: April 1, 2018

The Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund helps students who are “active in movements for social and economic justice.” Students do not have to be US citizens to be eligible for the scholarship, which maxes out at $10,000 a year.

2018 Esperanza Education Fund Scholarship

Deadline: April 6, 2018

Ranging from $5,000 to $20,000, the Esperanza Education Fund Scholarship is awarded to students who work hard, are resourceful, and persevere against the odds. The money will be distributed throughout the student’s college career.